Since I announced my pregnancy last year, I’ve been asked quite often whether we would raise our baby vegan. If I saw the question on my blog or social media, I would respond by saying that we decided not to label her diet or lifestyle and I explained why if I had the time. Since I was asked this question so frequently I recently decided to write a blog post on the topic to be transparent about our decision (see: Will you raise your daughter a vegan?). I’ve always been an open book on the blog and figured I could share our thoughts and also ask you to share your own experiences. I enjoy hearing other perspectives because I’ve never been someone who thinks that there is one correct way to do anything. What works for one family might not work for others.
As I expected, there was a wide range of opinions on the topic. Many of you left thought-provoking and respectful comments (whether you agreed or not), and I greatly enjoyed reading them. They led to some wonderful discussions with friends and family this week. However, there were some hateful and threatening comments attacking me, my family, and our decision. According to some, I’m no longer welcome to call myself vegan. This wasn’t entirely surprising; over the past 6 years I’ve often been accused of not being “vegan enough”, being “too mainstream”, or not “doing enough for the vegan movement”, yet here I was receiving hundreds of comments and emails each month from readers telling me my recipes changed their lives, that they were happy to be helping animals, reducing their carbon footprint, and getting healthy even if they weren’t “perfect”. Apparently, my welcoming and non-judgmental approach was indeed the catalyst for major change.
I realize that the scrutiny I’ve faced over the years is from a small percentage of vegans. Tearing each other down is never conducive to furthering the movement though. The majority of vegans I know are incredibly kind and compassionate both to animals and humans alike. However, the personal attacks have made me reflect greatly about whether this label continues to be right for me. Do I want to live my life striving for an elusive perfection that I know I’m too flawed to ever achieve? Or can I do it my way? While some of you will say “don’t let it bother you” and “don’t let them win” I’ll be honest in telling you that experiencing hate on a public forum from your own community wears you down over time. It’s a distraction from my overall purpose and you know what, it sure as hell takes the fun out of the journey.
In the end, I will keep on doing my thing, but without a personal label on my diet or lifestyle. Going forward you can expect to see the same types of crowd-pleasing plant-based recipes on this blog and in my next cookbook; this is how I love to eat and what makes me happy. My goal has always been to encourage others to reduce their animal consumption and embrace more plants in their diet. This is my passion in life not only because of how it has greatly improved my own and those close to me, but for countless other reasons. I still believe that the greatest change happens when we elevate one another, celebrate progress, and of course, share delicious food that challenges the norms of the standard diet. So that’s exactly what I intend to keep doing. There are many ways in which compassionate individuals can spread their message and this is what speaks to my heart. I have no doubt there is something out there for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years, and also, for reminding me why it’s important to remain authentic even in spite of criticism.
Angela
Please note comments are now closed – May 20/15
Hi Angela,
I’ve been a long term fan of your blog, despite this being my first comment. I love all of your recipe inspiration and use the site daily – checking new recipies or stumbling across old ones always gets me excited! I read your last post and loved that you didn’t want to put a label on your daughters diet – doing what feels ‘right’ seems so much better. It sparked an interesting conversation with my partner on the subject (as we have completely opposite diets) and agreed we’d much prefer to raise children on a diet that reflects both of our interests, rather than forcing something on them that they didn’t have a say in. Anyway, I’ve just read this post and wanted to say such a huge thank you for everything you do and that labels or not, I’m so appreciative of your honesty and the amazing recipes you produce. They’ve got me to a much happier and healthier state in my life and I think that should always be the focus – those who insist on labelling often just exclude rather than include others.
I think you’re an amazing person. You write so honestly and with great joy. You have inspired me in so many ways, not just with trying new ways of enjoying food, but also to deal with my own eating disorder. Thank you for all of your work and sharing your life.
I read that post the day you posted it and was shocked at some of the responses. I thought of you often this week and wondered how you were coping with it all. I think your response was very mature and thoughtful. I echo the sentiments of everyone above. I look forward to reading all of your future posts, and buying the next OSG cookbook, whether you label the recipes “vegan,” “plant-based” or anything else.
Your blog was one of the first food blogs I stumbled upon when I started scouring the internet for vegetarian and vegan recipes to bring more colour and life to my diet. I loved it from the start and have tried and adapted many recipes since. You and the blog are great! Don’t you ever forget about that! :)
I am so grateful for all the hard work you have put into this blog. Don’t let the haters give you a bad time and do whatever you feel is the right thing for YOU to do!
All the best and thank you!
i am so sorry to hear about the hateful emails and comments. People can be so cruel on the Internet. My husband and I are not vegan, never plan to be, but we are animal lovers. I love reading your blog and trying out your recipes. You have been an inspiration to me to cut back on meat and incorporate more veggie only meals.
It’s because of your welcoming approach that I’ve been able to work my way into more of a plant based diet. I don’t want to be rude, but I’ve always felt a bit intimidated by the vegan community and it kept me away from wanting to pursue a plant based diet. Because of your website and cookbook, not only have I been able to enjoy more plant based foods (it’s still a process, but I’m making my way) I’ve actually learned to enjoy cooking. Do what is right for you and your family. I will still be here and desperately awaiting your next cookbook.
You go girl!
So well written, thanks for sharing your thoughts. It hurts my heart to hear how hurtful people can be to one another, even strangers. Please know that your contributions to the world are so positive and make a difference in our home and many others, and that hateful comments are a reflection of someone’s own heart’s condition, not yours. Our family has been so grateful to have access to your lovely, inspiring and creative blog and cookbook, and I’ve personally loved your new baby section! I look forward to it every week/two weeks. So again, thank you.
I will never understand people. I published an article on The Huffington Post in January chronicling my addiction and recovery and while a lot of the comments were positive, there were also a large amount that were hateful and shaming. I had to stop reading them because after just opening myself up to the whole country, those comments weren’t something I was prepared to deal with.
Maybe it’s bc I have had difficult times in my life and know the importance of compassion, but I just don’t understand hurting another human being. You are the reason I started my blog in the first place and I have nothing but respect for you and your decision. Keep on keepin on haha :)
Erin and Angela keep on writing and don’t loose your beautiful smile !
We need more HEROES like you both !
When my sister past away, on her deth bed she said to me ; Now don’t forget , Fu– the rest and do your best !!
With love from Québec, Montréal Canada
BRIGITTE ESTELLE GAUDREAULT
Thanks Brigitte! I’ve learned over time that people’s negativity has more to do with THEM than it does ME, but it always takes me a little time to register that when I am confronted with it.
You know what? You are wonderful just as you are! The positive impact you have had (and continue to have) on people from all over the planet is amazing… nothing can ever change that. As a long-time follower, I can only state what I feel: what you label yourself means nothing to me. At all. What *I* love the most is your positive outlook on life and the peeks you give me into your life, as it is lived on the other side of the globe. Your cooking is such a small part of it…
Please remember, that for every negative comment you get, there are literally hundreds of us disagreeing :) We are the ones who also believe in love, positivity and elevating one another :)
Much love,
Kristina from Sweden.
I am so sorry that you experienced these mean and hateful comments.
My father said once, “Wer sich einsetzt, setzt sich aus” (I am German). That means, one who stands in for one’s passion becomes at the same time available (and vulnerable) for reactions of criticism and contrasting opinions, not always fair and reasonable.
In the end, your love matters and later in her life, Adriana will remember some special comfort food from home – not because of its super-duper-healthy ingredients, but because you made it for her to cheer her up after she fell from her bike, after a rough day at high school, after she got totally wet and cold from the rain on her way home and she will remember the feeling when she makes it herself in college or for her husband or when she comes to visit and smells that taste of childhood again. That’s all that matters.
Take care Angela and keep the vegetables coming :)
I just want to leave a comment so I can formally contribute to the percentage of people who think that you are wonderful! Fudge the haters. Live your life.
Peace.
May God continue to bless you, Angela, as you have been a blessing to many more people than you’ll ever know! His is the only one whose opinion matters. I pray God continues to give you strength to continue to do His work through your website! (Philippians 4:13) My friends and I sure enjoy it!
Have a joy-filled Easter!
Well said Angela:-) I have followed your blog for years since becoming a Registered Dietitian, and I’m happy to say I have referred many many patients and clients to your sight. I work with the food sensitivity population, and choosing diets like vegan/paleo/vegetarian, etc. are not usually an option (have to do what’s best for each individual body). Your wide range of recipes have definitely been happily embraced by this population (and me). Thanks for your hard work, excitement about food and happiness!!
Thank you for all you do Angela!
I support you 100%!!
I’m sorry you had to deal with hateful, disrespectful and ignorant comments.
I’ve been following your blog for almost three years and I’m so grateful for everything I’ve learned and continue to learn from it. Your recipes are so delicious and I always share them with friends and family. I also love your cookbook and bought some copies for friends and family.
I love how you are handling this situation with grace and class.
God bless you and your beautiful family!
Mia
It always baffles me when people spew hate over food choices. Last time I checked, being vegan isn’t a religion and people decide to eat this way for many different reasons. Keep up the good work. I love reading your posts and trying your recipes!
Flip Flops and Furs
I’m not a vegan, or 100% plant-based or whatever, but I am probably 90% there and it is 100% because of you!
Same for me!!!
Hi sweetie!
Please don’t get upset over the “vegan police”. I understand their passion for it, but at the same time being compassionate to animals needs to go along with being compassionate for humans too.
I’m a vegan (namely thanks to your amazing blog!) but my husband and roommate are full blown carnivores. Does it make me less of a vegan for tolerating a meat eating hubby and friend? Not at all. If anything, I’m showing compassion to them and respecting their choices.
When we have children later on, I’ll teach them about compassion towards animals and healthy eating but I know that I won’t be able to control their food 100% of the time. They’re going to want to try meat and pizza, which is fine. If they decide to go vegan, then that’s great! If not, I’ll still love them regardless. That’s compassion towards animals and humans.
Plus, people being the vegan police isn’t helpful at all. It just turns more people away from the cause. It’s better for a person to just do a meatless monday rather than not have a single plant based meal at all.
I say, keep your vegan title on your websites and books. Just ignore the vegan police girly.
As a dedicated reader of your blog from the beginning, I can’t tell how you much it upsets me that you have been treated this way. As I read many of the judgemental and attacking comments on your facebook page, I felt anger and sorrow, but mostly I felt pity that some people live their lives in such a negative and one sided state. I spent much time thinking about this whole debate and I continuously had to remind myself that this is a VERY small percentage of the people who follow your site. After all, the squeaky wheel gets the oil. My hope this the many who support you take a moment to remind you just how much we adore you, appreciate you and support you.
Many thanks to you Angela and please hold your head high and keep up the amazing job! You are an inspiration and I applaud you for always following your heart!
You are a wonderful role model as a sensitive, caring and sharing human being. And, your leadership in plant-based cuisine has indeed been transformative. Yours is my go-to site for delicious, vegan recipes that reinforce my goal of enjoying a non-flesh diet – and my husband loves all your recipes too!
You did open a great big door when you chose to share your journey with the world. Do you know how many of us LOVE what you do and the person you are? Angela, it’s a hard knock you’ve taken, but your life-journey as described by you, had some significant hurdles that you eventually jumped over free and clear. This too shall pass…just don’t change, okay?